Visiting for research
We welcome visits from researchers wishing to use the collection. In this section you will find more information about arranging to visit us, as well as answers to some frequently asked questions about preparing for your visit and using our archive materials.
Arranging your visit
Many items from the collection are on permanent display, however, if you wish to consult our libraries and stored collections, we have a dedicated research space in the Wood Library. We are a small team, so we do ask that research visits are conducted by prior arrangement.
To make a booking, please fill in the Research Visit Booking Enquiry Form, and send it to sjmuseum@lichfield.gov.uk at least one month before your proposed visit. Prior to arranging your visit, you can search our collection online to ascertain which objects you would like to see. We cannot always guarantee that you will be able to view every object requested as we will assess materials for conservation needs. Unfortunately, this means we may occasionally have to refuse access to objects that are fragile or unstable. This is to safeguard the collection for future users.
Accessibility
The Wood Library is situated on the second floor of the Museum and is accessible only by stairs.
Off-site research facilities with level access can be booked at Lichfield Guildhall, approximately 5 minutes from the Museum, so please inform us when booking if this service will be required.
Facilities
Toilet facilities for researchers are available on site. Access to these is via stairs at the main Museum site however accessible toilets are available at our off-site facility.
We do not have a break room on site and, to prevent damage to the collection, food and drink is not permitted in the Wood Library or Guildhall study space. As we are situated in the centre of Lichfield, there are a range of cafes, restaurants, and shops within a few minutes’ walk of the Museum where you can purchase lunch, drinks and snacks – our staff are happy to make recommendations.
We recognise that you may have limited time for your research trip to the Museum and want to help you to get the most out of your visit to us. To this end, we have put together some answers to some of the most frequently asked questions to help you plan your visit to us.
Frequently asked questions
Preparing for your visit
Can I book my visit on any day?
We can accommodate research visits on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Owing to the size of the Wood Library, we can only accommodate one researcher at a time so, whilst we will do our best to accommodate requests for specific dates, this may not always be possible and it is helpful if you can provide us with a few options for your visit.
Do I need to tell you what archive materials I need in advance?
Yes, you can search our collection online to check for specific materials.
Frequently asked questions
On the day of your visit
When should I arrive and when do I need to leave?
We can accommodate research visits during our opening hours.
Currently we open 10.30am – 4.30pm between 1 March – 31 October, and 11am – 3.30pm between 1 November – 28 February. Entrance into the museum is via the Bookshop, where a member of staff on the front desk will greet you and direct you the Wood Library.
What should I bring with me?
You will need to bring some photographic ID (i.e. passport/driving license) with you, and you will need to complete a researcher registration form on arrival.
Your coat and bags can be kept with you in the library. However, large bags and luggage will need to be stored in one of our lockers.
The Wood Library is equipped with a range of specialist materials to help you access the collection including rests, books snakes, magnifiers, and gloves so you will only need to bring your own research materials, such as notepads, stationery etc.
To prevent damage to the collection, you must use a pencil or an electronic device to make notes. Pens and highlighters are not permitted in the Wood Library or Guildhall study space. We have pencils and pencil sharpeners available for purchase in the bookshop. There are also high street stationers within walking distance if you forget anything. You are welcome to bring your own laptop, and wifi is available. Please ensure your laptop is fully charged as we do not have charging points in the Museum.
Can I bring food and drink?
To preserve the collection, food and drink is not permitted in the Wood Library or Guildhall study space.
There are a range of cafes, restaurants and shops within a few minutes’ walk of both the Museum and the Guildhall where you can purchase lunch, drinks and snacks, and our staff are happy to make recommendations if required.
Can I make photocopies?
A4 printing and copying facilities are available by request for certain materials.
We currently charge 30p (inclusive VAT) per side of A4 for colour copies/prints and 20p (inclusive VAT) per side of A4 for monochrome copies/prints. Some objects may not be available for copying due to their condition. Museum staff can advise on this.
Can I take photographs?
You are welcome to take photographs of most of the items in our collection for individual research purposes. If an item cannot be photographed, staff will advise you of this. To publish images of the collection you must apply for an image license by contacting sjmuseum@lichfield.gov.uk Discounts are available for academic publications.
We do have photographs and digitised scans of many of our collections items and are happy to make these available to you on request.
Can I borrow items from the collection?
No, we do not loan items from the collection to individual researchers, and materials cannot be removed from the Wood Library/Guildhall study space during your visit.
Frequently asked questions
Handling archive materials
How do I handle the materials?
Archive materials can be delicate, so it is best to handle them carefully!
The general rule is to handle the materials as little as possible and to be gentle when handling items, opening and closing books, or when turning pages.
We have a range of book rests and book snakes to help you access and handle materials.
It should go without saying, but please do not write/mark any books/manuscripts, turn down corners, or use post it/sticky notes on any of the pages. If you are worried about handling any of the materials you need, please ask a member of staff and they will be happy to assist you.
What is a book rest and how do I use one?
A book rest supports a book whilst it is being read. They are used to prevent damage to the spine.
We have a range of standing book rests and book pillows available for use in the Wood Library.
If you have never used book rests before, our staff are happy to show you the best way to select a suitable rest and use it to support the materials you are working with.
What are book snakes?
Book snakes are weighted bookmarks that can help you keep a book open.
Using them means you can keep a page open without needing to hold it, which prevents damage to the book from the natural oils found in human skin.
We have a range of book snakes in different sizes and lengths in the Wood Library and our staff are happy to show you how to use them if required.
Do I need to wear gloves?
Staff will advise if gloves are required when handling an object. For manuscripts you will not need to wear gloves, but we ask that you ensure your hands are clean, dry, and free from any lotions, creams, or nail polish when handling our collection materials.
‘Knowledge is of two kinds. We know a subject ourselves, or we know where we can find information upon it.’
